THE oldest house in Minehead has been chosen for one of the UK’s newest political parties to hold its first pubic event in the area.

Reform UK is using Townsend House for a gathering on Saturday, March 23, from 10am until noon.

Fred Keen, the party’s General Election candidate for the new Tiverton and Minehead constituency, will introduce himself.

Mr Keen is also aiming to establish a team in the area capable of campaigning to fight the next election, which has to be called during this year.

He has lived in West Somerset for nearly 20 years and is married with two grown-up children and five grandchildren.

Mr Keen said: “I understand the local and national issues affecting the people of the constituency.

“I have run my own business for many years and worked in many countries around the world.

“I come from a working class background, apprentice-trained.”